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An A-Z Woman's Guide to Vibrant Health
Vaginal Yeast Infections (Candida)
Seventy percent of women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection during their lives, and 40 percent will have more than one infection. Studies show that 45 percent of vaginal yeast infections are caused by
Candida albicans or another species of Candida fungus. These fungi, or yeast,
normally exist in the intestines and vagina in small numbers, but changes in the internal environment can cause them to proliferate, wreaking havoc on various body systems. The fungi produce hormone-like substances that
resemble human hormones, and some types have their own hormone receptors. The immune system often produces antibodies against the Candida, causing
an allergic response to an organism that normally exists in our bodies.
Symptoms
Vaginal itching and irritation and cheesy white discharge with a distinct odor are common symptoms. Urination may be painful. The skin of the vulva may be raw and red. Often, symptoms worsen the week before menstruation.
Causes
Our bodies contain organisms that live in a delicate balance with one another, and Candida is normally held in check by “beneficial” bacteria in our bodies.
When the beneficial bacteria become outnumbered, however, the stage is set for Candida overgrowth. Internal environmental changes can be caused by the use of antibiotics, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and other steroid medications, drinking chlorinated water, stress, diabetes and poor nutrition with a diet high in sugar. Other contributing factors include multiple pregnancies, smoking and a weakened immune system.
PRESCRIPTION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH*
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Multivitamins with minerals; (contains no iron)
FemmEssentials or MultiEssentials for women |
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As directed. For complete formula recommendations see
Appendix A |
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To provide optimal
nutrient support |
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| Restores imbalance
caused by antibiotics | |
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| 1000-3000 mg daily Pharmaceutical Grade Fish oil |
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| Protects the integrity of cells; antiinflammatory |
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Caprylic acid
(enteric coated) |
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| 1-2 grams daily with meals |
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| 3 drops 3 times a day in juice or water |
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Tea Tree Oil
(must be diluted before application, mix with topical anti-fungals) |
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| local application 40% solution for a maximum of five days |
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| Effective for Candida vaginitis. Do not apply to broken skin; if irritation occurs, discontinue |
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Berberine
(containing herbs including Goldenseal and Oregon Grape) |
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| Use as directed; make sure berberine content is listed on label |
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| Acts as an anti-fungal but if immunity has been built up to it, substitute clove or maitake |
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2 capsules daily,
containing 2.5 billion active cells |
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| Improves intestinal flora (especially important if you have taken antibiotics for condition) |
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| Use as directed on label
for 2 weeks |
| | Research shows a 40% drop in the recurrence of Candida vaginal infections |
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* Pregnant women should consult their naturopathic doctor
for treatment of Candida overgrowth.
HEALTH TIPS TO ENHANCE HEALING
- The best protection from Candida is to boost the immune system. Eat
plenty of fruits and vegetables, 7 to 10 half-cup servings daily. Legumes,
fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds and their oils will provide your body with
balanced nutrition. Avoid eating simple carbohydrates such as white bread,
cake, cookies and chips, and too many citrus fruits that create an alkaline
environment in the body and allow Candida to flourish.
- If Candida is a reoccurring problem, switch to a diet that excludes all yeast
and sugar (that means fruit, too). Any food that has been aged or fermented
should also be eliminated, so no cheese, soy sauce, pickles, raw mushrooms,
vinegar or alcohol to name a few. Avoid gluten and eat millet, quinoa and
brown rice instead.
- Eat plenty of plain probiotic-rich (look for the words acidophilus or bifidus
or bifidobacterium) yogurt to increase the good bacteria population in your
intestines. Half a cup to one cup every day will ward off yeast infections and
restore balance to the body. If you are taking antibiotics, always supplement
with probiotics.
- Choose organic dairy products to avoid hormones and xenoestrogens.
- Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of pure, filtered water daily. For every juice,
caffeine or alcoholic beverage you consume, have another glass of water.
- Do not overeat; it suppresses the immune system.
- Stop smoking.
- Take one or two digestive enzymes before every meal. Do not drink fluids
while eating or you will dilute your enzymes.
- If you suspect you have low stomach acid because you have gas, bloating
and digestive distress, take 1 capsule (600 mg) of hydrochloric acid before
a large meal. If symptoms worsen, stop—you do not have low stomach acid.
If you feel the same or better, increase your dosage by one at your next meal.
Keep increasing the dosage up to a maximum of seven capsules or until you
feel warmth in your stomach. If you feel the warmth, cut back to a dosage
tolerated prior to the feeling. Use fewer capsules for smaller meals.
- Start a diet diary and write down everything you eat and see if there is any
correlation to your allergy symptoms. Ask for a referral to an allergy
specialist and get tested for possible triggers. Some allergies may only be
detected with the help of an ELISA test. Once you know what you are
allergic to, avoid those allergens. Have environmental allergens tested as
well.
Other Recommendations
- Wear loose white cotton underwear instead of synthetic, and leave the panty
hose in the drawer. Change undergarments daily, and wash them at high
temperatures.
- After going to the toilet, wipe front to back to avoid spreading the fungus
back to the vagina.
- Take baths instead of showers to ensure that the genital area is washed
thoroughly. Make sure that you dry off very well.
- Avoid taking oral contraceptives or steroid medications; they can alter your
body’s environment to encourage yeast growth.
- Although there is still the need for more research in this area, sexual
transmission is being investigated for its role yeast infections. To be safe,
use a condom during sex so you don’t infect your partner (who then infects
you again).
- Reduce your exposure to chemicals, perfumes, dyes, fragrances and scents.
When fighting an infection, don’t use bubble bath, douches, perfumed
toilet paper, deodorized tampons, etc. Soap should be natural as well.
- Mercury toxicity can make the body vulnerable to yeast overgrowth. Have a hair, urine and blood analysis done to determine if that is a factor. If so,
avoid exposure to mercury and have dental amalgams removed.
- If you are having four or more vaginal yeast infections in a year, consult
your physician or naturopath.
- Not all infections in the vagina are yeast problems, so have sexually transmitted
diseases ruled out.
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